University Police arrested a former NIU student early Wednesday morning after he was found carrying a pellet gun in a residence hall.

Angel Picasso, 20, 1315 W. Lincoln Hwy., was charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Picasso was carrying a .177 caliber pellet revolver, police said.

UP officer John Lovell said the gun is more powerful than a BB gun.

Lovell said he responded to a report of a telephone threat made against a resident of Douglas Hall. “Picasso was found in the lobby of Douglas Hall drinking a beer,” he said.

Picasso had the pellet gun in his belt, Lovell said. When the officer told Picasso to put his hands up, Picasso went for his pellet gun, Lovell said.

Sheryl Mullis, Douglas/Lincoln hall area coordinator, could not be reached for comment. Linda Korschoreck, Douglas Hall director, refused to comment.

Picasso is scheduled to appear in court March 22.